Sutton Council will review its pension fund after a petition from Palestine supporters gained traction
Sutton: A campaign group is pushing Sutton Council to rethink its pension policy. They want the council to stop investing in companies linked to armament sales and those operating in occupied Palestine. This comes after a petition by Sutton Friends of Palestine gathered over 1,800 signatures.
The petition urges the council to review all its investment funds. This includes the Local Government Pensions Scheme. They want to check for any ties to companies supplying the Israeli military or working in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The strong local support led to a council debate on January 27.
The debate took place on Holocaust Memorial Day. Many members of Sutton Friends of Palestine attended to support the petition. Oliver, a spokesperson for the group, gave a passionate speech at the start of the meeting.
Oliver said the decision shows that the Lib Dems and Labour in Sutton are listening to their constituents. He emphasized the importance of ethical matters in their investments.
He also highlighted the need for divestment while acknowledging the significance of Holocaust Memorial Day. He stated, “Never again, for anyone.”
During the debate, Labour’s Dave Tchill shared his Armenian and Palestinian heritage. He argued against funding regimes that harm innocents. He urged the council to keep discussing Palestine.
On the other hand, Conservative councillor Neil Garratt opposed the petition. He believed it would be rejected by the Pension Committee. He felt the campaigners only represented one side of the conflict.
Independent councillor Nick Mattey challenged some points during the debate. However, Mayor Colin Shears quickly intervened to maintain order.
The debate ended with Council Leader Barry Lewis supporting the review. The final vote saw Lib Dems and Labour backing the petition for further consideration.
Most Conservatives opposed the motion, with a few abstaining. Two independent councillors also chose to abstain.
After the meeting, Oliver expressed that the decision shows a willingness to listen to constituents. He noted that while it’s a step towards ethical divestment, more work is needed.
Sutton Friends of Palestine plans to keep an eye on the petition’s progress. They hope the recommendations will be fully implemented.
Last year, SFOP made headlines when they confronted then-MP Paul Scully about his views on the conflict. Scully lost his seat to Lib Dem Luke Taylor in the May election.
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